Exploring the Potential of Starch/Polycaprolactone Aligned Magnetic Responsive Scaffolds for Tendon Regeneration

Abstract

The application of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in tissue engineering (TE) approaches opens several new research possibilities in this field, enabling a new generation of multifunctional constructs for tissue regeneration. This study describes the development of sophisticated magnetic polymer scaffolds with aligned structural features aimed at applications in tendon tissue engineering (TTE). Tissue engineering magnetic scaffolds are prepared by incorporating iron oxide MNPs into a 3D structure of aligned SPCL (starch and polycaprolactone) fibers fabricated by rapid prototyping (RP) technology. The 3D architecture, composition, and magnetic properties are characterized. Furthermore, the effect of an externally applied magnetic field is investigated on the tenogenic differentiation of adipose stem cells (ASCs) cultured onto the developed magnetic scaffolds, demonstrating that ASCs undergo tenogenic differentiation synthesizing a Tenascin C and Collagen type I rich matrix under magneto-stimulation conditions. Finally, the developed magnetic scaffolds were implanted in an ectopic rat model, evidencing good biocompatibility and integration within the surrounding tissues. Together, these results suggest that the effect of the magnetic aligned scaffolds structure combined with magnetic stimulation has a significant potential to impact the field of tendon tissue engineering toward the development of more efficient regeneration therapies.

Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine: New Trends and Directions—A Year in Review

“…3D magnetic TE systems are typically achieved by the direct incorporation of MNPs into a 3D scaffold matrix or by previous association with seeded cells through cell labeling or internalization. 70 This renders magnetic responsiveness to the tissue substitute with the potential to be remotely controlled and tuned by the actuation of an external magnetic field.…”

“…70 These magnetic scaffolds aimed at tendon regeneration, and they were shown to assist in the tenogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells under magneto-stimulation conditions. The magnetic scaffolds also evidenced good biocompatibility and integration within the surrounding tissues on implantation in an ectopic rat model.…”

“…The magnetic scaffolds also evidenced good biocompatibility and integration within the surrounding tissues on implantation in an ectopic rat model. 70 In another study, the authors showed that magnetic membranes that were implanted subcutaneously in rats could also be actuated by an external magnetic field, with a significant impact on the modulation of the inflammatory response, traduced by a decreased number of mast cells infiltration and a reduced thickness of the fibrous capsule. 71 A combination of MNPs and collagen hydrogels was investigated by Antman-Passig and Shefi, and it aimed at neuronal TE.…”

Nanocomposites for Additive Manufacturing

“…Tissue engineering magnetic scaffolds were synthesized by incorporating iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) into a 3D structure of aligned starch and polycaprolactone (SPCL) fibers fabricated by rapid prototyping (RP) technology. The authors concluded that the effect of the magnetic aligned scaffolds structure combined with magnetic stimulation, has a significant potential to impact the field of TTE towards the development of more efficient regeneration therapies [56].…”

Multifunctional magnetic-responsive hydrogels to engineer tendon-to-bone interface

“…[28], [82], [83], [84] MNPs can be integrated within 3D scaffolds directly or by previous association with (stem) cells ( Figure 1.3E). [85] After incorporation, the application of an external magnetic field may induce scaffold structure deformation. The matrix structure and properties will relate to their application and on the fabrication The strategies to produce magnetic spheres are the encapsulation of MPs in a biodegradable polymeric matrix that usually rely on either i) uniformly disperse MPs within the polymeric matrix; ii) induce the formation of a MPs core within the sphere; or iii) the fabrication of spheres with a polymeric matrix core coated with MPs ( Figure 1.3 C).…”